Eglin AFB area to receive robust road infrastructure to Crestview, FL

If you haven’t heard yet Northwest Florida will be installing a more robust road path from State Road 85 to State Road 123 and reconfiguring the entrance to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. This $46M flyover project will occur soon because it is being funded with economic recovery stimulus money from the federal government and the money must be allocated within the next 120 days. This timely project is a blessing because there are currently several choke points on the current traffic path going from Eglin Air Force Base to Crestview. Hopefully this will help facilitate the scheduled military construction (MILCON) projects slated for the bed down of the Army 7th Special Forces Group at Duke Field and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). For more information check out similar articles at nwfdailynews.com

Purchase New House in Crestview, FL

Are you interested in a new home? In Crestview we have several subdivisions with empty lots and all you have to do is select one of the model homes. The builder will then build home with your choice of options. Some subdivisions have completed spec homes ready for move in. We also have subdivisions where you purchase the lot and pick a custom builder to build the house of your dreams. We have several custom builders in the area. Contact me and I’ll put you in touch with one of the best. Contact info: (850) 902-5710, email at mike.leonard@era-american.com or visit my website at http://www.era-mike.com

Crestview, FL Townhouse For Sale

Buy now and take advantage of some of the lowest mortgage interest rates in recent history. If you haven’t purchased a home in the past three years and this is your permanent residence you can take advantage of the First Time Home Buyers $8,000 Tax Credit. This home hosts a 1 car garage, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with sq/ft just over 1,300 and priced at $123,900. Storage shouldn’t be a problem as this townhouse has several closets. Located just off Redstone and up the road from the new Southside Elementary School & Shoal River Middle School, scheduled to open Fall of ’09. Only 8.8 miles from Duke Field! Seller is providing a Buyer’s Home Warranty. This is truly a great investment opportunity. If you are interested in this townhouse or other homes in the area contact me at (850) 902-5710 or visit my website at http://www.era-mike.com/

Army 7th Special Forces Group move to Duke Field, Florida

Army 7th Special Forces Group and other personnel from Fort Bragg relocating to Duke Field, Eglin Air Force Base and surrounding areas (Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, Navarre) – Welcome! As a retired military person I’m well aware of the stress a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can bring to you...if you let it. While you focus on moving your family and your new employment, let me assist with your relocation and real estate needs. Please visit my website at http://www.era-mike.com/, email me at mike.leonard@era-american.com or call me at (850) 902-5710 or toll free (877) 502-6106. Don’t forget to request a relocation package if needed.

Florida Homestead Exemption

Do you own your home? Have you applied for a homestead exemption? You may be missing out on a several hundred dollar tax exemption. A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your permanent residence by an amount up to $25,000. A homestead exemption can save you approximately $400-$450 per year on your annual ad valorem taxes. Every person who has a legal or equitable title to real property in Florida and who has recorded the title instrument in public records of the county where application is made is eligible to file. You may apply at either the Property Appraiser’s Office, 151-D NE Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach or The Property Appraiser’s Office, Okaloosa County County Courthouse, 101 E. James Lee Blvd., Rm 104, Crestview. For more information on the Florida Homestead Exemption, Military Homestead Exemption, Veterans Disability Exemption, Senior Exemption and other exemptions go to the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser’s website at: http://www.okaloosapa.com/exempt.html#top For information on local area home sales go to http://www.era-mike.com

Crestview, FL House For Sale 4 BR, 3BA, 2,575 Sq/Ft on .32 Acre Lot

This wonderful house is located south of I-10 and within 8 miles of Duke Field, 25 minutes of Eglin and 30 minutes of Hurlburt Field. House boasts many upgrades including hardwood floors, tile, newly installed carpet and crown molding. Kitchen is equipped with almond colored appliances, flat surface electric stove and Kitchen Island. Master bath includes corner tub, glass block windows, separate shower and double sink. Tiled and enclosed rear patio includes French doors opening into a back yard tropical paradise including a gazebo area. On the other side of the yard is a similar matching garden shed. Unwind after a hard days work by relaxing in your hot tub or watching the activity in the Koi fish pond. For more information on this house Click Here or contact Mike Leonard to assist you with home and real estate searches in the Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Duke Field, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt AFB and surrounding areas.

First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit $7,500 with new updates

Update: 2008 vs. 2009

Download First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit form 5405

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The $7,500 Tax Credit may have just gotten better. Current Legislation H.R. 3221 Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 allows for a $7,500 Tax Credit for the purchase of a primary house.

If President Obama signs the 2009 Economic Stimulus Package into law, next Tuesday (17 Feb 09), the Housing Tax Credit will increase from $7,500 to $8,000 and will not have to be repaid. This is a true Tax Credit. …more updates to follow when Stimulus Package is signed.

Highlights of the current Tax Credit are in table below:

FEATURE	H.R. 3221 Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
Amount of Credit	Ten percent of the cost of home, not to exceed $7,500
Eligible Property	Any single-family residence (including condos, co-ops) that will be used as a primary residence
Refundable	Yes. Reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase. Claimed on tax return for that tax year.
Income Limit	Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with an adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000) on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively).
First-time Home buyers Only	Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
Recapture	Yes. Portion (6.67 % of credit) $500 to be repaid each year for 15 years. If home sold before 15 years, then remainder of credit recaptured on sale.
Effective Date	Purchase on or after April 9, 2008
Termination	July 1, 2009

Please contact me for further information or questions.

Standby for updates to the homeowners tax credit.

Mike Leonard, (850) 902-5710 or mike.leonard@era-american.com or visit my website at http://www.era-mike.com

Baker, FL House For Sale 4BR, 2BA on 1 Acre Lot

This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath house is located in Countrywood Estates, Baker, FL. The interior of house is made of all neutral colors. Kitchen is bright with white cabinets and is contrasted with black appliances. Living room and family room are separated by a dual sided wood burning fireplace. Master suite is accessed from the family room and includes a large master bedroom and master bath with jet tub and walk-in closet. Split bedroom floor plan hosts the other 3 bedrooms on the living room side of the house. Includes a large 2 car attached side loading garage. Back yard is currently wooded but could be cleared for that new in ground pool you’ve been waiting for. Countrywood Estates is a circular subdivision and all houses are built on 1 acre +/- lots. If you desire peace and quite over city congestion…this house if for you. Approximately 18 miles from Duke Field. For more information on this house (click here) or contact Mike Leonard to assist you with home and real estate searches in the Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.

Eglin AFB Area REALTOR® Introduction

My name is Mike Leonard and I’m a REALTOR® with ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida, Inc. I service Eglin, Hurlburt Field (AFSOC), Duke Field and surrounding areas including: Baker, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Holt, Laurel Hill, Navarre, Niceville, and Shalimar.

Prior to becoming a REALTOR®, I served in the United States Air Force for over 27 years and 3 years as a defense contractor. My former career began in 1977 when I entered the AF through Basic Military Training School. I trained as an Armament Systems Specialist (Bomb Loader) and held several positions in the field at several locations until I retrained in 1994 as a Computer Systems Technician. Again, I held several positions as many locations both stateside and abroad until my career culminated in me becoming a Communications Superintendent at Langley AFB, VA, where I retired.

My wife and I relocated to Northwest Florida to be closer to our children and grand children. I was stationed on the Florida Emerald Coast for over 5 years and served at both Eglin AFB near Fort Walton Beach and Tyndall AFB near Panama City, Florida. Coincidentally my wife and I have children and grand children both at Panama City and Fort Walton Beach who we spend time with as often as possible.

I enjoy being a REALTOR® because I love helping people. Whether you list a house with me or are in the market to buy a house I assure you I will diligently work with you until you are satisfied. Please visit my website at: dukehurlburteglin-homesales.com